The Evolution of a TJ6

[bfr]

After some requests for more info I've decided to post how my jeep got into its present state. My primary motivations have been to retain as much of the stock feel of an open top jeep as possible while improving cargo and towing capacity for longer trips.
I welcome any questions you may have.

Jeep Specs (Stock)
2004 TJ purchased 2/2005 (this is my second TJ, the first was a 97 4cyl.)
4.0 straight six
NV 3550 5 speed transmission
NP241J transfer case w/ 4:1 low range
Dana 44 front and rear axles with air locking differentials
Stickers on the hood

Modifications:
2005
-Curt receiver hitch

2006
-55W reverse/work lights
-Warn rear bumper & tire carrier

2007
-ARB front winch bar

2008
-1.75" spacer lift with stock shocks
-255/85R16 Maxxis Bighorn tires
-ARB rocker guards

2010
-Warn M8000 winch

2011
-purchased remains of a parted out LJ

2014
-replace ARB bumper w/ stock
-remove ARB rocker guards
-cut tub & frame and extend 15" to LJ dimensions with a 108.4" WB
-fabricate new rocker guards
-SAVVY Under Armor
-metalcloak rear upper control arms
-jks 1.25" body lift
-1" motor mount lift
-55W halogen reverse / work lamps replaced w/LED cubes.

2015
-regear axles to 4.88:1
-OME springs
-Bilstein 5100 shocks
-metalcloak rear adjustable trackbar
-255/85R16 Maxxis Bighorn tires

 

[MOguy]

That looks great!

 

[wmeyer116]

That looks good

 

[Stumpalump]

I did the same thing to a 72 CJ5. First test ride going down the road I noticed that instead of staring 50 feet in front of me and steering constantly I could just look down the road and cruise. What an improvement. Yours looks great!

 

[Jurfie]

Man, I wish I had the guts and skill to do that!

 

[njtacoma]

Wow very cool.
I like those proportions.

 

[bfr]

Thank you.
Due to my unwillingness to sacrifice the stock jeep feel the only gear/supplies carried in the jeep itself when out exploring are a small tool kit and bag of recovery gear which are always on board. This means all of the interior cargo space is available for passengers and top/ door parts.

Enter the trailer

 

[406to417]

Love what you did.

 

[bfr]

Thread detailing trailer build
http://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/barefoot-expedition-trailer-build.566498/
Thread detailing TJ6 stretch
http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f9/tj6-cutting-rubicon-2289001/

 

[JKU87]

This is awesome. Great work.

 

[1stDeuce]

Nice work! The inner wheel houses are the Unlimited pieces? That's a lot of work to separate it all and have it look that nice!! As someone who extended the back of a Unlimited tub 5" to get a 10+10 stretched TJ, I can tell you it's a LOT of work!! At least you can just use an unlimited top on yours!!

 

[Septu]

Looks amazing!! Always loved the LJs!!

 

[nnnnnate]

That fab work is fantastic. I guess I'm wondering why you stretched to LJ specs rather than just selling and buying an LJ?

 

[bfr]

That fab work is fantastic. I guess I'm wondering why you stretched to LJ specs rather than just selling and buying an LJ?

I thought about doing just that and it was a tough decision, but when it came down to it...
-I know this jeep's maintenance history, because I've done all of it aside from a rear main seal done under warranty.
-Money wise it was a wash as LJ Rubicons, especially well taken care of examples, command a premium (at least that was my experience when looking).
-I like these proportions.(I used to own a Willys m170. A project that I had to let go of before finishing it)
-I wanted to do it.

 

[Mitch502]

Way ballsier than anything I'll ever do, and a project like this demands respect.


Awesome job.